Genisys Credit Union Empowers Justice-Involved Youth to Build Secure Financial Futures, Earning Statewide Recognition 

Statewide recognition honors "A Path Forward," a financial education initiative serving justice-involved youth at Oakland County Children's Village

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Genisys Credit Union has been honored with the Community Enrichment Award by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, recognizing its innovative "A Path Forward" program — a financial literacy initiative designed to equip justice-involved youth at Oakland County Children's Village (OCCV) with the skills they need to build independent financial futures.

The award acknowledges that Genisys' work goes beyond traditional financial education, actively removing barriers and creating real opportunities for youth as they transition out of the juvenile justice system.

A Program Built for Real-World Success

Through "A Path Forward," Genisys offers OCCV residents the opportunity to participate in a financial reality session where they learn to budget a monthly income for real-world expenses — housing, transportation, groceries, and more — while navigating financial decisions within an assigned credit score and debt scenario.

Youth who complete the session receive their own high-yield savings account, earning 5.12% APY with a $100 initial deposit funded jointly by OCCV and Genisys. The account gives participants a tangible head start on their savings journey and a firsthand look at how compounding interest works.

The program also includes a three-week course educating them on budgeting, credit scores, and scams and fraud protection — providing in-depth, foundational knowledge that extends well beyond the sessions. To date, Genisys has supported nearly 60 youth through the program.

Investing in Lives Beyond the Classroom

"We're not just focusing on programming while youth are at Oakland County Children's Village; we are actively working to equip them with the tools and skills necessary for success in the future," said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Our goal is to offer a financial space where we are encouraging youth to see the positive aspects of having knowledge and control over their financial lives."

For youth in juvenile justice settings, gaps in financial knowledge — from budgeting basics to understanding credit and debt — can inhibit long-term success and contribute to returning to the legal system. "A Path Forward" aims to break that cycle.

About Genisys Credit Union: 

Genisys Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that has been committed to helping its members financially since 1936. Based out of Auburn Hills, MI, it is the fourth largest credit union in Michigan with over 295,000 members and 33 branch locations. With a highly competitive suite of products such as Genius High Yield Checking paying 6.75% APY and High Yield Youth Savings paying 5.12% APY as well as loans for small to mid-sized businesses, Genisys specializes in providing consumer and business financial solutions through its branches, a multi-channel contact center, and a variety of mobile and online banking services. Genisys has consistently received the highest 5-star Bauer Financial Rating for safety and soundness, along with receiving recognition from S&P Global Market Intelligence as a nationwide Top 10 Performing Credit Union. They are also proud to be committed to their communities by annually volunteering over 7,700 hours and partnering on over 1,600 community events. Connect with Genisys on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok by following @genisyscu. For more information, visit www.genisyscu.org